Tag: Blogs

  • 12/18 The 12 Days Of Christmas, John Denver

    ‘The 12 Days Of Christmas’ John Denver & The Muppets

    Wonderful, happy and fun! I love this clever rendition, makes me laugh and smile. Used to watch the Muppets’ Christmas specials every year, so is a walk down memory lane for me. Hope you enjoy it.

    John Denver, Song: The 12 Days of Christmas, TV special: A Christmas Together with John Denver and The Muppets (1979). Nominated for an Emmy and winner of the Director’s Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety. If you’d like to own a copy on DVD you can buy it at missedmovies.com. Words: vary widely, Music: Traditional English, 18th Century carol.

     Christmas Bling photo by Light. ©Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved.

    ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ is traditionally attributed to England but may have a French origin. Date of first performance is unknown, however it was sung as early as 16th century in Europe and Scandinavia. The chant  may have had it’s origins as a ‘memory and forfeits’ game where the person who forgets the verse has to pay penalty of a kiss or sweet.

    The actual 12 days of Christmas are usually December 26 through January 6 in England. Sometimes Christmas Day is included as one of the 12 days, sometimes not.  Most often the 12 days are attributed to the twelve days from the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) to the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6, or the Twelfth Day). You can learn more about the song at Hymns and Carols of Christmas or wikipedia.

     

    Leather bag by Bonnee Klein Gilligan       My 12 Days of Christmas – This year the Holidays are very tight financially so I decided to make all my gifts and pamper myself while I’m at it. Went to a local art gallery, saw a lovely leather bag I would have loved to buy. Its’ cost $1,500. Rather then grumbling about the price, it inspired me to create my own and one for a friend too. Mine is still in the works, photo right is the other one.

    This year my Christmas will be filled with wonderful treats, songs, love and things which make me smile. Just for fun, wrote about my inexpensive indulgences to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. It goes something like this…

    • On the first day of Christmas, I made this gift for me, a handmade leather satchel
    • On the second day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel
    • On the third day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fourth day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fifth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the sixth day of Christmas, I’ll make this just for me, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave this gift to me, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eighth day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the ninth day of Christmas I made a treat for me, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the tenth day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eleventh day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the twelfth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, twelve lovely flowers, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel  

    Have a wonderful Holiday! May your days be filled with treasures!

     

    John Denver John Denver given name Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.  (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), born in Roswell, New Mexico was a singer, songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian.  At eleven he was given his grandmother’s guitar, took guitar lessons and joined the boy’s choir. At twenty he pursued his dream career and the rest is history. You can read more about him at: johndenver.com or wikipedia.

    The photo above left of Christmas Bling is by Light. Light Traveler (August 1946 – July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler’s gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/16 Joy to the World, John Tesh

    ‘Joy to the World’ preformed by John Tesh

    Upbeat, rockin’ and fun Christmas song. Brings more joy to the world. Great instrumental performance!

    John Tesh, song: ‘Joy to the World’, album: Christmas Worship (2003),  label: Garden City Music. Video: 2005 PBS TV special Christmas in Positano, Italy.

    Joy to the worldThe original ‘Joy to the World’ hymn was written in 1692 by Isaac Watts at age 18. He wanted to add some depth to the Anglican hymns of the day. The hymn was published in 1719. One hundred years later in 1848 the words were set to music by Lowell Mason. He called the song ‘Antioch’ after Antioch, Syria the first place the term Christian was utilized. It is said he was inspired by Handel’s ‘Messiah’. You can find out more about ‘Joy to the World’ at: Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

    Have a Happy Joy Filled day and Holiday Season.

     

    John-Tesh John Frank Tesh born July 9, 1952 in Garden City, New York. At age 6 he began playing piano and trumpet and studied with teachers from the Juilliard School of music. He was named to the New York State Symphonic Orchestra in high school. In 1970 he graduated from North Carolina State University where he studied communications and music. John is a pianist, composer and national radio and television personality. He was a long time host of Entertainment Tonight. He also plays guitar, sax, keyboard and sings.  You can read more at his websites: www.tesh.com, www.myspace.com/thejohnteshradioshow and  www.myspace.com/johnteshalive.

    I found the spectacular image called ‘Joy to the World’ at: Central Coast Conservatorium there are no credits given.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/15 Deck the Halls, SHeDAISY

    ‘Deck the Halls’ sung by SHeDAISY, music video

    A Christmas video filled with fun, sparkles and magic. Country singers SHeDAISY give decking your halls a new flavor.

    SHeDAISY, song: Deck the Halls, album: Brand New Year (2000), label: Lyric Street Records, music video producer: David Hogan. Featured in the 2003 movie: Disney’s Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Video includes scenes from the movie. Single released November 1999. Original words: Unknown, 19th century American, original music: Old Welsh Air. 

    holly-leaves-5 The song “Deck the Halls” (original title: Deck The Hall With Holly“) is a very old traditional Yuletide carol. It is very likely that the ‘fa la la la la’ was played on the harp. Mozart utilized the tune to ‘Deck the Halls’ for a duet with violin and piano.

    The custom of ‘decking the halls with holly‘ is very old and may date back several thousand years. It is known that ancient Romans, Greeks and Druids utilized sacred evergreen holly to decorate their homes during mid-winter. You can read more about this custom in the article by Dr. Leonard Perry Decking the Halls with Holly.

    Have a glorious, magical Holiday!

     

    shedaisy SHeDAISY is a female vocal trio founded in the late 1990’s. Originally known as the Osborn Sisters, it is comprised of sisters Kristyn (b. 8/24/70), Kelsi (b. 11/21/74) and Kassidy (b. 10/30/76) from Magna, Utah. The word SHeDAISY is Navajo for my little sister. Kristyn Osborn writes or co-writes the groups songs. They are a multi-platinum Country group who have sold over 3 million albums. You can read more about them at SHeDaisy, Wikipedia or visit their Myspace page shedaisy.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/14 Orion Moonbow

    Orion Moonbow by Jimmy Westlake. ©2008 Jimmy Westlake. All rights reserved.

    ‘Orion Moonbow’ photograph by Jimmy Westlake

    Was looking at pictures of the full moon at SpaceWeather.com and came across an image of a moon halo taken 12/11/08 by Jimmy Westlake, Stagecoach, Colorado. As I was gazing at it I noticed not only a beautiful rainbow halo and Orion, but also a faint red cross. How cool! Wanted to see what was there so saturated it in Photoshop. The image above is the result. Wow, wow, wow! Thank you beloved Creator for your beauty and magnificence. I am humbly in awe.

    The night this photo was shot was the beginning of the celebration of the Mother, Virgin Guadalupe in Mexico.

    A messageall is perfect, balanced and complete. Divine Union is now… embrace… oneness. A cycle has ended, renewal begun. Goddess and God embrace, merge. Love pours forth with great abundance. Open heart and receive.

    As I write Raven called 3 times 3, flying by the window. Raven is the sacred bringer of magic who ushers in consciousness change. 9 is completion. Has been a day of much communication.

    Jimmy Westlake says about his photo,

    “Wow! This was one of the most vivid lunar halos I’ve ever seen! Seeing Orion with a colorful rainbow arching through him was surreal.”

    Surreal indeed! You can see the original photo and a couple more at SpaceWeather.com.

    The scientific explanation from Curious About Astronomy:

    Halos are caused by the light of the sun or moon passing through a very thin layer of cirruform (ice-crystal) clouds in the upper atmosphere. The ice crystals refract the light of the moon, similar to the way water droplets in the lower atmosphere can refract sunlight to produce a rainbow. Just like a rainbow, strong halos can have bands of color in them, due to slightly different refractive properties of the ice crystals for different colors. Essentially, halos ARE rainbows caused by primary refraction in ice crystals.

    Symbolism contained in the photo – (from An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols by J.C. Cooper):

    • A circle with a dot – in the center depicts a complete cycle and cyclic perfection. The resolution of all possibilities in existence. In Astrology it portrays the sun. In Alchemy it is the sun and gold. It is also a symbol of all sun gods. In Taoism A circle with a point at the center represents the supreme power, the Tao.
    • A circle enclosing a cross – is the Cosmic Solar Wheel ‘the vivifying principle that animates the universe’. The solar wheel is always a symbol of good fortune and of change. Cross in a circle – Solar mobility, the wheel of change. The wheel of fortune.
    • Equal arm cross – a universal symbol, the cosmic symbol par excellence. It is a world center and therefor a point of communication between heaven and earth, a cosmic axis. It is dualism in nature and the union of opposites. It represents Spiritual Union and the integration of man’s soul in all aspects necessary to full life.
    • Color – Symbolizes the differentiated, the manifest. Diversity. The affirmation of Light. Light and dark colors used in contrast symbolize the materialization of light. God, as light, is the source of color. Color Red – The zenith of color. Represents the sun and all war gods. It is the masculine, active principle, fire, the sun, royalty, love, joy festivity, passion, energy, health, strength. Red denotes supernatural powers, sacredness or solar power. Rainbow – Transfiguration. Heavenly glory. Different states of consciousness. The meeting of Heaven and xmaswreathEarth. Paradise. 
    • Moon – Usually represents the feminine power, the Mother Goddess, Queen of Heaven. Symbolic of the rhythm of cyclic time, universal becoming. Full moon is enlightenment. Light in darkness. Inner Knowledge. The moon is the abode of  Archangel Gabriel.

    Hope your day is amazing and awe filled. Happy Holidays!

     

    jimmy_westlake Jimmy Westlake, M.S. Astronomy, Louisiana State University; B.S., Astronomy and Physics, Valdosta State University; BS, Psychology, University of Alaska Anchorage; 15 years instructor and director of Rollins Planetarium at Young Harris College; award winning astro-photographer.You can see more of J.R. Westlake’s Astrophotos at jrwestlake.com.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/12 Ave Maria païen, Notre Dame de Paris

    Ave Maria païen, Notre Dame de Paris

    What a moving song! I feel her plea, her heart and her Soul reaching out to Mother Mary and Spirit moves. Wow! Brought tears and chills. Incredibly touching… Ave Maria indeed.

    The musical Notre Dame de Paris debuted September 1998 in Paris. Song: Ave Maria païen (the 21st song). Musical: based on Notre Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo. Music: Riccardo Cocciante, Lyrics: Luc Plamondon. Has played worldwide, been translated to many languages and had the most successful first year of any musical. As of 2007 the score has been recorded 7 times .

    It’s Full Moon today (Snow Moon 11:37am EST, 4:37pm GMT) and a Grand Mutable Cross is in the heavens ushering in a time of choices and changes. There are many new possibilities, forks in the road with lots of potential for positive change. We are being guided to strive for our highest ideals, spiritual Truths and wisdom. To find out more about the Grand Mutable Cross see The Aquarius Papers.

     

    La Virgen de Guadalupe by Salvador Dali (1959).

    It’s also Guadalupe Day Mexico’s most important religious holiday. Today people from all over Mexico travel to the chapel on Tepayac Hill in Mexico City to worship and celebrate. In 1531 at the the former shrine of the Aztec Mother Goddess Coatlicue on Tepayac Hill, the Virgin Guadalupe (mother of Jesus) appeared to Juan Diego. She asked him to build a chapel on this sacred ground.

    Large fiestas are held in Mexico and Central America honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. All day people visit the church and pray. As an offering of thanks, some people pin small objects shaped like hearts, arms, or legs  (milagros) on or near the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

    May your holidays be blessed and safe. Happy Guadalupe Day!

     

    daliandwife The incredible painting above left is called La Virgen de Guadalupe by Salvador Dali (1959). Dali’s full name is Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech 1st Marquis of Púbol (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989), born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain was a surrealist painter. He attended drawing school in 1916 and 3 years later had his first exhibition. His extensive artistic endeavors include painting, film, sculpture, and photography. You can find out more and see many of Dali’s wonderful works at virtualdali.com.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan